A
flash in the pan, a fad or trend that will go away as if it never existed. Men and women can be "boys of summer" but as it's possible for them to change their ways, it's possible for them to leave this state. More often, "Boys of Summer" is a state of mind or a concept that gets a lot of attention, is appealing, makes a lot of noise, and then leaves without leaving any noticeable mark.
In Don Henley's song, when
the boys of summer have gone, all that glamor and noise will be gone, but the things that matter will still remain. In the song's context, his devotion to his beloved is a true, deep and meaningful passion that will outlast anything petty, trivial or
impulsive.
Rob: Why do hang out with those nerdy girls more than the other
popular girls?
Jessica: The
popular girls are nice but they just want to party, these nerds are studying and forming connections. Their successes will last long after the boys of summer have gone.
Music critic: Punk rock, new wave, disco, bro-country, EDM, and glam metal all came and went, but the blues are still around. BB King and Muddy Waters will be inspiring
generations long after the boys of summer have gone.